GROWING A BUSINESS

PEOPLE & SYSTEMS

A growing business needs the right people, and the right systems, to keep it on track. Read Peter Switzer's tips on structuring your business, developing business strategies, and creating business systems to avoid problems. Find out how to recruit staff, develop and retain the best employees, and create a culture of constant business improvement in your workplace.

The views presented in these articles are not Optus' views. This article contains general information only and is not intended to be relied on as legal, financial or professional advice. Readers should seek their own advice based on their specific business needs.

Order in the house

It's important to be organised so that you can keep your business under control. Here are some tips to ensure your business runs smoothly.

The art of prospecting...

As the economy recovers, it's time to get out of the bunker and get on the front foot to win new customers...

Support crew

One of the greatest problems of home-based businesses is often a major issue for all small businesses, and it's called isolation.

Playing for keeps

Some business owners ignore the importance of trade marks, and especially in the online world, its crucial that you know the rules.

Order in the house

It's important to be organised so that you can keep your business under control. Below are some tips to ensure your business runs smoothly.

Please close the gate

afety in the workplace is a big issue, and one that needs to be addressed urgently.

Turning a vision into reality

Business ideas sometimes come completely from left field. Making that idea or vision become a reality is often the hardest part

Don't let Business Burn You Out

Business operators run high on adrenalin. Being self-sufficient, self-fulfilling and self-directed can take its toll and it's easy to run low on the things that keep the 'self' going!

If not systems, then what?

I hear it all the time from people who want to grow their business. "I know I need to do some work ON my business, but I just don't have the time - how can I find the time?"

When you're on a good thing, stick to it

Do you find it hard to keep staff? Do you have staff you'd rather not keep? Motivating staff can help keep the ones you want, and possibly even help you get more out of the non-performers.

You're hired!

Your recruitment strategy and ongoing employee development is integral to attracting and retaining the right people for your business.

Get rid of weakness

Successful business owners understand the importance of being proactive about improving their weaknesses.

Run for cover

Business owners are being warned to lock up their businesses properly with a crime wave targeting smaller operators. And the favourite targets of thieves are computers.

View from the top

In the age of increasing competition and a labour market as tight as the proverbial drum, the highly enlightened business leader has to create a special workplace for employee retention and attraction purposes.

Age is no barrier if attitude is right

How do you really feel about employing older people? Many people in business are reluctant to employ anyone over the age of 45 and older workers are often the first to go when a company cuts back.

Waste not, want not

Ever heard of the saying 'waste not, want not'? With the environment a concern for us all, it needs to be acknowledged that big business does make an effort to go 'green'.

Bindi and the family business

Australian exports are major contributors to the economy and could benefit your business. One of Australia's major exports is tourism.

Legally blonde

A prominent Sydney hairdresser knows blondes have more fun, but protecting intellectual property is no laughing matter.

Who owns it?

Protecting Intellectual Property is crucial to any growing business, whether it be to protect your work or your brand name.

Love shack

When you put people together in a work place you can be pretty sure that relationships will develop. This might be great for the couples, but not always good for your business.

Systemise your business

Introducing and developing systems can assist in organising your business. Here are some tips to create great systems that will help your business grow

Tips on how to get the best from staff

There are ways you can encourage your employees to achieve the best they can - for their own growth and for that of your business.

Flow-on benefits

Imagine finding plumbers who are so professional that they have created their own systems to minimise mistakes and maximise customer satisfaction.

Time poor

Sometimes it feels like there aren't enough hours in the day. Here are some tips to help organise your time effectively.

Dealing with big businesses

Introducing and developing systems can help organize your business, saving you time and money and helping it to grow.

Interviewing tips

You've written an ad for a new position in your business and had a number of respondents. Now you're at the interviewing stage and it's time to pick the person that will fit in best.

The Essential Ingredient

Hiring a new person for your business can be a daunting experience. Here are some tips and processes to consider before you take that step and get people in for their interview.

In the zone

Many business owners are under a lot of pressure which can lead to high levels of stress.

The referral

Asking your current customers and clients to recommend your business to others is one of the best ways to get more business. Here is a Q&A about this important technique.

Call on the experts

Working ON your business is important to allow it to grow, but many business owners say they just don't have the time.

Beating the clock

Most business owners need more time in their day. Here are a few timesaving techniques that will let you concentrate on growing your business.

RECENT ARTICLES

Beating the clock

Most business owners need more time in their day. Here are a few timesaving techniques that will let you concentrate on growing your business.

Business in tough times

During tough times, cutting back on certain parts of your business may be detrimental.

Switzer's Hint

Love this one but I forget where I learnt it: "Work out what you want. Find out what price you will have to pay for it. Pay the price!"